Time flies even faster: Sony, Samsung and Qualcomm present their connected timepieces

Galaxy Gear: Samsung’s debut smartwatch

Among the new devices the Korean giant unveiled at this year’s IFA was its very first smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear, which offers a number of advantages over its competitors, including 4 GB of memory.

It picks up notifications and controls music, but is more than just a remote interface for your primary connected device – it practically replaces it: using the built-in speaker and microphone, you can actually make and receive calls (not as a standalone phone but via a Bluetooth connection to your Samsung Galaxy device), and record voice memos.

This watch also has a 1.9-megpixel BSI sensor camerafor taking pictures and videos, a pedometer and can be used as a fitness assistant.

Unlike the Sony SmartWatch, the Galaxy Gear can currently only be used with a Galaxy Note 3 smartphone (also unveiled at IFA 2013) or Galaxy 10.1 tablet. An update for the Galaxy SIII and S4 is due to be released in 2014. Some 70 apps are currently available for the Galaxy Gear, including one which can locate a hidden Galaxy Note 3 using the SVoice virtual assistant. The Galaxy Gear is currently available for pre-order (price around €290).

Sony’s 2nd smartwatch is waterproof

Sony made its first foray into the connected watch sector over a year ago with its SmartWatch (see the emedia article). At IFA 2013, it launched a second version, which has the distinct advantage of being compatible not only with Sony devices but any Android smartphones (running version 4.1 and upwards).

Another new feature: the SmartWatch2 is shock and water- resistant for depths of up to 1m (IP_Code). It also boasts a touchscreen and vibrating alert when new calls, texts or emails are received or for calendar notifications. A kind of remotely-controlled interface for your smartphone, it can also remotely manage playlists and set off the smartphone’s camera. Price: around €200 (TBC).

Toq to me… with Qualcomm

More than just a gizmo that tells the time, the Toq, Qualcomm’s first smartwatch, is designed to promote Qualcomm’s technologies. Like Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, the Toq can place and receive calls. Unlike its competitors, however, it boasts a Mirasol display, battery life of 5 days, Bluetooth headset and wireless charging dock. Qualcomm’s model is a limited edition, available only in North America.

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With over 8,000 employees in 19 countries and revenue in excess of €2 billion, Econocom has all the requisite abilities to ensure the successful implementation of large-scale digital projects: consulting, sourcing and technology management & financing of digital assets, infrastructure, application and business solution services, and project financing.

The Econocom Group share (BE0974266950 - ECONB) has been listed on the Euronext NYSE in Brussels since 1986 and is part of the BelMid index.

With over 8,500 employees in 19 countries and revenue in excess of €2 billion, Econocom has all the requisite abilities to ensure the successful implementation of large-scale digital projects: consulting, sourcing and technology management & financing of digital assets, infrastructure, application and business solution services, and project financing.

The Econocom Group share (BE0974266950 - ECONB) has been listed on the Euronext NYSE in Brussels since 1986 and is part of the BelMid index.